Mon Sep 16 15:47:36 UTC 2024: ## Holiday Shopping Season Starts Early: Emarketer Offers Strategies for Success

The holiday shopping season is officially shorter than ever, with only 26 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to Emarketer. However, retailers are advised to start their campaigns early, with many shoppers expected to begin their spending in October.

“The holiday season really starts October 1,” said Megan Gaffey, senior director of publisher partnerships at Rakuten Advertising.

Ecommerce is expected to drive a significant portion of holiday sales, with an anticipated 9.5% year-over-year growth. Marketers are encouraged to deeply understand their customers’ behavior and preferences to maximize their online and offline sales potential.

Emarketer recommends several strategies for success during the compressed holiday season:

* **Embrace the entire season:** Don’t solely focus on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Leverage other key dates like Singles Day (November 11) and Free Shipping Day (December 14).
* **Utilize affiliate marketing:** This performance-based model offers efficient spending and allows retailers to diversify their partnerships with influencers, coupon sites, and cashback platforms.
* **Focus on customer retention:** The holiday season is an opportunity to build long-term relationships with customers. Aim to provide a seamless experience that fosters brand loyalty beyond the holiday rush.
* **Leverage data and insights:** Gain a comprehensive understanding of your customer base through research and demographics. Understand their full wallet and shopping habits to tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Emarketer provides access to extensive data sets, industry benchmarks, and in-depth analysis of consumer behavior and market trends to help retailers navigate the evolving holiday shopping landscape.

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